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LATEST NEWS
PYE ON WHY TRIPLE EIGHT ARE THE BEST IN 2024 Scott Pye will return to Triple Eight as a co-driver 12 years after his Super2 stint with the team and he remains just as impressed. Since Pye finished second to Scott McLaughlin in the 2012 Dunlop Series, he has raced for Lucas Dumbrell Racing, Dick Johnson Racing before and after Roger Penske arrived, Walkinshaw Andretti United and Team 18. But according to the South Australian, none of them can compare to the standards set at Triple Eight. After 12 years away Pye returns to the team as the co-driver for Will Brown’s #87 Camaro in the 2024 Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 endurance races. He revealed the ruthless mentality of chasing perfection has not changed, which he feels is something that is not replicated elsewhere on the grid. “There is not much comparison to the way that Triple Eight operate elsewhere in pit lane,” Pye told Auto Action. “Nothing against individuals in other teams. I think they can drop into Triple Eight and would be able to plug in and do well straight away. “But unfortunately I don’t think the infrastructure in other teams is what is at Triple Eight. “They are such a professional team and powerhouse but the way it has been led from day one is the difference. “The most impressive thing is they have pretty much been in contention almost every year since they started.
“There may be opportunities a team stands up and beats them for a year or so but it is how they constantly turn up with the mindset of trying to be better than everyone else everyday that keeps them where they are. “Jamie (Whincup) has that mentality and I remember when I was in Super2 him saying that when you win on Saturday, the hardest thing was to win again on Sunday so Saturday night is work. You make sure you
come back better because everyone else will too. That never stops.” Pye was reminded of this when he was present at the pre-season test day at Queensland Raceway before the Bathurst 500 season opener where Triple Eight took out every single on track session. “When I saw them operating at the test day, it was proof they are not resting on what they have done in the past,” he said. “I was really impressed with the way they
ran the test day with the procedures and structure in place was excellent. “Erebus was really fast last year but I think we are seeing Triple Eight rebound even stronger because of that. “They have just been able to build on the previous year as opposed to rebuilding and we are seeing the results on track. “It was cool to see Will and Broc (Feeney) show what they are capable of, leading the team into the next phase into the future.”
HERNE READY TO DOMINATE TRANS AM AGAIN NATHAN HERNE is coming back to dominate Australian Trans Am once again at the AWC Race Tasmania season opener. Herne is back down under after a year racing in America and will make an anticipated cameo at Symmons Plains as a privateer. Herne is the most successful driver in Trans Am, dominating the 2021 and 2022 seasons where he stormed to 19 wins and 33 podiums in 35 races. Whilst he was victorious steering a Garry Rogers Motorsport Mustang in 2022, the “Lismore Bullet” will reunite with the Dodge Challenger he took to the 2021 crown. Herne spent 2023 racing in America in the TA2 Series where he took three podiums in his rookie campaign. However, due to off track dramas Herne has been unable to secure a 2024 drive and has been racing closer to home recently. He recently dominated the NZ v Aus TA2 Series, taking out every session in an
effective one-car, one-man operation. Herne also has happy memories of Symmons Plains winning three of the six races he has participated in the Apple Isle. Despite having such an impressive Tran Am record, Herne knows it will be extremely difficult to carry on that form. “I definitely want to come back and go straight to the top,” he said. “The stuff I’ve learnt over the last year, the cars were quite different but there’s
plenty of things I can relate in theory. “The competition in Trans Am has stepped up to an extent, which is good, there’s more of those professional benchmarks – guys like (James) Moffat, (James) Golding, (Todd) Hazelwood and (Tim) Slade. “I’ll do a shakedown at Winton just to make sure everything works how it should, but then we’re straight into the deep end in Tassie. “A lot of people say Symmons Plains is a
drivers’ track, but I believe a lot of it also comes down to the setup of the car, if it’s just one percent off it’s very hard to make that up.” Like in New Zealand, Herne will carry on with his more hands-on approach to racing being a one-man band. “I’ll be the crew chief, engineer, and mechanic in the garage at home,” he said. “I have some guys coming to help out at the track which will take the load off but it’s very much a self-run effort. “It’s an awesome opportunity to try and test myself off the track as well as on it. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, especially more so recently, as I think taking responsibility is pretty important to moving forward, and unfortunately for myself, if things go backwards there won’t be many others to blame! “I think it’ll be a stressful weekend, but hopefully rewarding.” The AWC Race Tasmania will feature four races across the March 15-17 weekend, with all of the action live and free via the Seven Network.
PERENJORI CLASSIC TRAGEDY THE 2024 Perenjori Classic
“PERIOD OF DISAPPOINTING RESULTS” PROMPTS ALPINE TECHNICAL TEAM DEPARTURES ALPINE’S 2024 woes have worsened with the announcement that Technical Director Matt Harman and head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer have departed from the French team following a points-less run in Bahrain last weekend. The news comes after a far-fromideal start to the 2024 Formula 1 season, which saw Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly starting the race from the back on the grid, and only promoting their new-concept A524 to P17 and P18 come the chequered flag. In a statement released by Alpine, the team announced the “organisation changes across its technical teams”. “BWT Alpine F1 Team today introduces a series of organisational changes throughout its technical teams where it will take a new threepillared approach. “The team has created three specialised technical roles: Technical Director (Performance), Technical Director (Aerodynamics) and Technical Director (Engineering), replacing the previous structure of a
singular Technical Director. “The decision comes after a period of disappointing results in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, where the team has fallen from finishing fourth in the 2022 Championship to sixth in 2023, missing several key targets in its ambitions to reach the front of the grid.” The changes also come after an internally tumultuous 2023 season in which former Alpine F1 Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer was dismissed mid-Belgium Grand Prix weekend, temporarily replaced by Bruno Famin who was confirmed as full-time Team Principal earlier this year. Along with Szafnauer’s departure, Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry and CEO Laurent Rossi all left the team as well. As replacements for Harman and de Beer, Alpine announced Joe Burnell as Technical Director of Engineering, David Wheater as Technical Director of Aerodynamics, and Ciaron Pilbeam as Technical Director of Performance. “The three will work closely
together and report to Team Principal Bruno Famin, with immediate effect,” the team statement said. “On a power unit side, the technical team in Viry is led by Technical Director (Power Unit) Eric Meignan who continues to work on the 2026 PU project. “The team can also confirm the start of the tenures of Chief Operating Officers John Woods at Enstone and Audrey Vastroux at Viry-Chatillon to continue the development of the factories behind the Formula 1 project. “BWT Alpine F1 Team’s Technical Director Matt Harman and Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer have chosen to leave the team to seek new challenges. “The team thanks Matt and Dirk for their efforts at the team and wishes them the best in their future endeavours.” Before true changes to the A524 can be made, Ocon and Gasly will be thrown into the high-speed challenge that is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix later this week, kicking off from 12:30 AM, Friday morning, AEST.
Western Australia Off Road Championship event was cancelled last weekend after a driver tragically passed away. A capacity field of 60 entries started the 2024 Western Australia Off Road Championship season opener, but the event was cancelled on the opening day due to a tragic accident. The driver’s identity has not been made public but the family has been advised. AUTO ACTION sends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of the driver. Motorsport Australia released the below statement on the situation. Motorsport Australia has been advised of a critical incident at the Perenjori Classic, a round of the Western Australia Off Road Championship. A driver was found unresponsive on the side of the course on Saturday afternoon (WA time), with first aid administered by competing crews before the on-site ambulance team arrived at the scene shortly after. Unfortunately they were unable to revive the driver. Witness reports from those at the event also indicate the vehicle was undamaged. Western Australia Police were called to the scene and are investigating the incident, working closely with Motorsport Australia officials and staff. The family has been advised of the incident, with Motorsport Australia offering its full support. Motorsport Australia extends its sympathy to the family, friends and officials at the scene and has offered counselling services to those at the event impacted by this tragic event. The remainder of the event scheduled to run on Sunday has also been cancelled, event organisers have confirmed.
LATEST NEWS
TARGA UPDATE: PERRY DECLARES 2024 AS DEFINING YEAR
WHILST THERE will be no TARGA events in 2024 with the coroners inquest still to be held on August 25, CEO Mark Perry has stressed this year as the most important in TARGA Tasmania’s history. Since the date has been locked in for the coroners inquest into the deaths at the 2021 and 2022 TARGA Tasmania events, the push toward the return of the event in 2025 has further ramped up with a discussion opened on the new Draft Regulations. Some of the changes put forth via the new Draft Regulations include: • the return of the Rookie Rallye in a speed limited form • an updated licence system, which sees the removal of the Super Licence • removal of the Supercar list and replaced with a Modern Category 1 list, which retains the same licence but will require greater experience to compete in these vehicles • tyres have been increased to eight • Mechanical freedoms that do not impact safety have been added to overcome availability challenges and reduce costs, especially for those in Classic and Early Modern vehicles. Thanks again to all those
who provided great input into this area • clarifications on cages, seats, foam, and ABS, are included • derived time system has been updated and streamlined • overtaking and reconnaissance requirements have been updated and many more… Perry has spent the last half a year in constant communication with members and competitors to ensure that the return of TARGA Tasmania not only goes ahead, but goes ahead as relevant tarmac rally that remains healthy for the future generations to enjoy. “It will take patience, understanding, compromise, engagement, input, support, prayers, vision and innovation from every member of the TARGA family to overcome the challenges that are obvious for all to see,” Perry said in his regular communications. “To survive, TARGA Tasmania must remain an all-embracing destination tourism event that appeals to motorsport competitors and driving enthusiasts alike. “This year, a year where there will not be
a TARGA event, will be the most important year in the history of TARGA Tasmania. This is the year that we will SAVE TARGA Tasmania!” “TARGA must continue to travel to all corners of Tasmania and cannot be shortened to a generic and homogenised loop-style rally based in a single location. “There is a surplus of these events around the world but there is only one TARGA Tasmania; we must save it for us to continue to enjoy, but importantly we must save it so future generations can also experience the journey of a lifetime. A journey of freedom and the sorts of things that we have all taken for granted for the last three decades.” The version 1.0 of the Draft Regulations received over 300 responses after Perry released them to get a handle on opinions from members and competitors, with the more defined Draft Regulations 2.0 being formed. There is also a beginners guide on the way for new competitors in order to properly digest the experience in 2025. Perry – a competitor himself from the late 90’s – said that the overarching theme
in the feedback was to return the event to what it once was. “…Others may say that this is a ‘rose coloured glasses’ view and you can never go back, but I feel there is some middle ground needing to be found to ensure a long and successful future for TARGA Tasmania. “In essence, there is a very strong feeling amongst many of you that TARGA Tasmania needs to have less competitions, far more categories to replace these, a merged TARGA plate system which is not impacted by where you choose to compete, and a range of new TARGA plates and awards to incentivise people to keep coming back and focus on winning these awards instead of chasing outright results and championship points. “For me, it made for compelling reading and as someone who competed in the late 1990s, I could relate to what many of you were saying.” Perry also encourages people and those with a passion for TARGA to download the SAVE TARGA banner to their social pages.
BEETON TAKES MOTORLAND YOUNG AUSSIE Jack Beeton has continued on with his Formula 4 education, taking out the latest Formula Winter Series at Motorland Aragon in Spain. In the backend of 2023 Beeton took out his first Junior Formulae title for Australian team AGI Sport in the F4 South East Asia Championship, and after taking a few podiums to start the year in the F4 UAE Championship, he’s backed it up with a sweep of them in Spain for the German US Racing team. Whilst his finishes of two second places and third got him the round win, it’s another Aussie in Griffin Peebles that leads the series after having taken wins at Jerez and Ricardo Tormo in the
Gianmarco Pradel (left) and Jack Beeton. first two rounds. Peebles’ fifth place in Race 3 also enabled him to take the outright
championship lead over Peruvian driver Andres Cardenas, leading the series by seven points with one round to
come with the decider to take place in Barcelona on March 8-10. It was also a solid round for another Aussie driver in Gianmarco Pradel, who netted a podium in Race 1. Pradel took out last year’s rookie title in the Formula Series, as well as finishing second outright. Both Beeton and Pradel will be competing for US Racing in the Italian Formula 4 this season before they look to move up the formulae rungs in 2025. The other Aussie out on track in Aragon was another AGI product in Peter Bouzinelos, but his weekend didn’t fare so well with a couple of retirements. TW Neal
LACEY PRIMED FOR BIG 2024 AUSSIE YOUNG gun Jesse Lacey is bracing himself for a busy 2024 as he will race open-wheel championships on both sides of the Pacific. After making the move overseas and taking on the F4 United States Championship in 2023, Lacey will race a sophomore season in 2024 thanks to support from Ares Group, but that will not be his only campaign. The teenager will also race in the Formula Regional Japanese Championship for Bionic Jack Racing having been one of just three drivers worldwide to receive the m2 Management and G Force Engineering scholarship. The new campaign will see him race at the iconic Suzuka Circuit at this weekend’s season opener, plus Sportsland Sugo, Okayama, Motegi and Fuji Speedway. This will be held in addition to a second crack at the F4 United States Championship with KiwiCrosslink Motorsport. Lacey’s mindset for the busy year where he will be crisscrossing the Pacific is very clear. “The goal is to win both championships and I think I can do that,” Lacey told AUTO ACTION. Lacey has already got a taste of what is to be expected in Japan having completed a test in the Formula Regional car at a wet Suzuka. Despite the tough conditions, he came away with a positive feeling from the opening test. “I had a long break so when I went back into the car I had to get the hang of it again but it was all good,” he said. “I had a day and a half in a Formula Regional car before but the American one is different to the one in Japan. “The first time I drove it was pouring with rain in Suzuka so it was not ideal but I loved it. “The speed difference was massive down the straight and
Lacey – testing USF4. there is also a lot more aero through the corners. It also has a turbo so the power delivery is quite fast. “Add that all to the wet, so it was a bit tricky but I got the hang of it.” Last year was a big one for Lacey, who made the move from Australia to America. In his debut season in the F4 United States Championship, the youngster from Melbourne claimed two pole positions and one race win on his way to fourth in the USF4 title race. The sweet success arrived in the penultimate round of the year at Virginia, while a solid second place in the final race of
the season at Circuit of the Americas secured fourth in the championship. Reflecting on his rookie season, Lacey admitted adjusting to life on and off the track took some time, but feels more is possible with a less aggressive approach behind the wheel. “The start of it was a bit tricky being my first F4 race. It took us a bit of time getting a grip of things because it was completely different from racing a kart,” he reflected. “But once we did it was good from there. “I probably did a couple of high risk/high reward moves which cost us a few places. “We also had some mechanical problems which cost us a few places but now I know what to do.” Lacey is also looking forward to racing with less pressure on his shoulders with two full championships confirmed. Thanks to the support of the m2 Management and G Force Engineering scholarship, Ares Group, and Jason Miller, Lacey will be able to go full attack in America and Japan. “I am proud and honoured to represent my supporters because Japan would not have happened and racing would have been hard,” he said. “At the end of last year if I didn’t perform it would have been really hard for us to race this year but luckily we did and I have people who believe in me. “I don’t have as much pressure because at times last year we were not sure if we were doing the next round or not. “Now knowing I will be doing both championships, I cannot wait to go racing now.” The Formula Regional Japanese Championship begins at Suzuka on March 9-10 where three races will be held, while the USF4 season begins at NOLA Motorsports Park on April 11-14.
FIA PRESIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR F1 RACE RESULT INTERFERENCE
FIA PRESIDENT Mohammed Ben Sulayem is under investigation for allegedly interfering with the results of last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, in which he is said to have overturned a post-race penalty against Fernando Alonso. According to BBC Sport, a whistleblower recently made the FIA aware of the incident, seeing the claim form part of an official report made by an FIA compliance officer to the motorsport’s governing body’s ethics committee. The report constructed by Paolo Basarri, FIA Compliance Officer, details that Ben Sulayem “pretended the stewards to overturn their decision to issue” the 10-second penalty to Alonso. Originally published in Italian, the word “pretendere” translated to ‘to pretend’, however, with the meaning ‘to expect/ demand’. As indicated by the whistleblower, Ben Sulayem allegedly called Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the FIA’s vice-president for sport for the Middle East and North Africa, who was working at the Saudi Arabian GP that weekend to make it clear that he thought Alonso’s penalty should be nullified. The penalty in question was a 10-second penalty given to the Spaniard for work done on his car whilst serving a previously dealt five-second penalty. Prior to the penalty being revoked, the 10-second addition to his race time would have knocked Alonso off the podium, sending him back behind
George Russell in P4. Instead, the #14 finished on the podium for the second time in the first two rounds, taking home the third-place trophy for Aston Martin. Ben Sulayem has been the FIA President since December 2021, and not without controversy. The FIA President has found himself in hot water on many occasions including, but not limited to:
Halting an agreement between teams and the commercial rights holder to double the number of sprint weekends per season for six months. Being on the receiving end of a “ceaseand-desist” letter from F1’s lawyers after a public reaction on social media to an article claiming Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund had attempted to buy the sport for $20bn. And, the revelation of misogynistic
remarks made by Ben Sulayem resurfacing in old quotes. The most recent controversy Ben Sulayem has been involved in was the highly publicised compliance investigation made by the FIA into the Wolffs in 2023. A conclusion to the investigation is expected to be made in the next four to six weeks, with all parties yet to make comment on the situation.
LATEST NEWS
FAWCETT TAKES IT UP A GEAR
BY EDWINA WILLIAMS
REIGNING VICTORIAN State Race Series Formula Ford champion Joe Fawcett is leveling up his driving in 2024. The eighteen-year-old will compete in the Australian Formula Ford Series, which begins later this month over the Easter weekend at the Mount Panorama Circuit, during the Bathurst 6 Hour. “This year, our plan and our focus is on the national championship, which is seven rounds around Australia,” he said. Competing at Bathurst will be a dreamcome-true for the Ballarat Grammar year 12 student, who is balancing racing with his
Joe Fawcett will begin the 2024 Australian Formula Ford Series as the current Victorian State Race Series Formula Ford champion. Image: REBECCA HIND / REVVED PHOTOGRAPHY
VCE studies. “You hear all the Supercars drivers saying it’s their favourite track and everyone says it’s amazing,” Fawcett said. “I’m also a bit nervous at the same time
because it’s quite a daunting thing to do; there’s not much room for error at Bathurst. “But I’m also just super excited to experience the track.” Fawcett said he tends to achieve his best
results at Winton Motor Raceway, although his favourite track is Sandown. He’ll be in action at both - during round two and six respectively - as part of the series. “Past that, I don’t really have a specific plan, it’s more just seeing if anything comes up during the year,” Fawcett said. “I’d like to get a drive in a Porsche or Toyota 86, something like that. But my focus is this year, for now.” His ultimate goal is to get a drive in a Supercar. The opening round of the Australian Formula Ford Series is part of the Bathurst 6 Hour event.
Father and son competitors, David (#91) and Codie (#50) Banks are part of the NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival Series which will conclude at Phillip Island. Image: MATTHEW SMITH
Eleven Australian F5000 drivers will compete at the Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport. Image: JOHN LEMM
IT’S AUS V NZ FOR F5000S AT PHILLIP ISLAND BY EDWINA WILLIAMS
THIS WEEKEND’S Phillip Island Classic is an opportunity for Australians and New Zealanders to battle it out. Ten Formula 5000 drivers from the SAS Autoparts MSC NZ F5000 Tasman Cup Revival series are set to cross the ditch for the event which includes the Phillip Island F5000 Historic Grand Prix. Twenty-one cars have entered the trans-Tasman hit-out at the festival of motorsport, with nine from Victoria and two heading down from New South Wales.
An inaugural trophy organised by members of the Victorian Historic Racing Register is to be presented by F5000 chief of driver standards, Kevin Bartlett. A champion competitor, Bartlett won major races including the 1974 Bathurst 1000, and said he expects those traveling from NZ to do well. “[The Kiwis] won’t have any problem,” he said. “Look at all the racing they’ve been doing. “I’ll have a good chat with them and ensure, along with guys like John Bowe,
we… answer all their questions.” Bartlett said the Phillip Island track is a more simple one to approach. “The new guys will pick it up quickly,” he said. “It has one blind approach, with plenty of run-off. The track lends itself to a flowing pattern, the straights are longer. You have time to settle down and look at things.” The Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport is set for Friday 8 to Sunday 10 March. F5000 qualifying is scheduled for
Friday morning before an afternoon four-lap race. On Saturday, five-lap and seven-lap races are set for the morning and afternoon respectively. A five-lap race on Sunday morning will be followed by the Historic Grand Prix from 12.15pm. An afternoon 11-lap race is also open to competitors. Tickets are available at the gate. Patrons under 17 enter free if accompanied by an adult. Gates open Friday 8 March, 8am. Visit vhrr.com.au for more information.
GARWOOD JOINS TRANS AM BATTLE FOR RACE TASMANIA AT SYMMONS PLAINS DREAM RACING Australia have confirmed that they will field the highly credentialed Adam Garwood in the upcoming round of the Trans Am Series which will be held as part of the AWC Race Tasmania event at Symmons Plains Raceway near Launceston over the weekend of 15-17 March. Adam Garwood will compete in the team’s Chevrolet Camaro-bodied Trans Am racer in round two of the National Trans Am Series and will be up against some serious competition with the likes of current Trans Am Champion James Moffat, Nathan Herne, Ben Bargwanna James Golding, Supercar driver Tim Slade, Ben Grice and Nash Morris all competing. The car that Garwood will compete in was raced by American Robert Noaker at Mount Panorama last year and it’s also the same chassis that has been formerly driven by Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki (Queensland Raceway 2022) and tested by now-NASCAR star Shane van Gisbergen. Garwood is no stranger to the class or high-powered V8 racing. The 25 year old competed with Dream Racing Australia at Symmons Plains last year, driving a Dodge Challenger, as well as a year in the S5000 class plus a number of seasons in Touring Car Masters. Garwood is enthusiastic about the upcoming program. “Last year had some
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positive moments in Trans Am. “This year should be better in a newer car, and hopefully that gets us up the field a bit further and closer to a top five result.” Recently, Garwood drove the popular VB Commodore at the opening round of the Touring Car Masters series event run at the Supercars Bathurst 500, finishing with two podium results at Mount Panorama. “Trans Am is a great class and compared to all of the other categories that I’ve raced recently, it’s closer to Touring Car Masters because it has no aero. The cars move around so hopefully we find our way quickly and get some good results.” He confirmed. “Craig (Scutella, team owner) and Cam (Fisher, team manager) are very accommodating and very welcoming. It’s a great team to be around.
“Adam drove with us last year, our old Dodge, and he was competitive, but we feel that this car will be much stronger,” said Fisher. “This is a really good car. Robert drove the car to the front at Bathurst, and Adam being a local Tasmanian, he probably knows that track better than anyone in the Trans Am field. “He is having a run at Winton on Friday for some testing, and I’m hoping that he can be close to the pace of the top five.” Fisher explained. “As much as I know Symmons Plains like the back of my hand, it doesn’t make it easier with a bunch of Supercars drivers and a few very good up and comers. But I’m looking forward to mixing it up with them.” Garwood concluded. The Launceston resident will join Dream Racing regulars Jackson Rice and fellow Tasmanian Josh Webster in the
expanded team, fielding three outright contenders. Rice ran hot in the opening round at Sandown, scoring a third place finish in the final race and currently sits sixth in standings. Webster is looking forward to a return to his home race and will sport a new-look Ford Mustang-bodied car, set to be revealed in the coming days. Webster also had an encouraging run at Sandown, winning the Pro-Am class. The Symmons Plains Raceway event is part of a big weekend of motorsport action at the Tasmanian circuit, including supporting acts from TCR Australia and other local racing classes. Prices for a three-day weekend pass are $55.00, single Sunday $30, kids under 12 Free For further information visit racetasmania.com.au
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Chrome moly 4130N tube and sheet 350 grade COW tube Roll cages Tube bending Race car components Andrews Race Cars +61 (02) 9838 0032 andrewsracecars@hotmail.com Units 1-3, 33 Anvil Road, Seven Hills NSW 2147 Australia www.andrewsracecars.com.au TOP TORQUE PROVIDES FULL ENGINE reconditioning and rebuilding services including complete engine rebuilding specialising in Subaru and LS Series engines. With over 100 years of combined experience in engine machining, assembly and cylinder head reconditioning-from performance, full competition to standard, Top Torque Performance is a trade leader.
• Cylinder Head Reconditioning • Engine Block Reconditioning Our workshop is full of the latest engine and cylinder head reconditioning machinery including Serdi, Berco, Hines and Rottler machines.
FACTORY 5, 187-201 ROOKS ROAD, VERMONT VIC. 3133
PHONE: 03 9873 3800 • WWW.TOPTORQUE.COM.AU
Contact Bruce Williams for bookings and information on 0418 349 555 or bruce@autoaction.com.au
PRODUCTS AND INDUSTRY NEWS
F F I e rence D e h t l e e F
• High quality German made limited slip differentials • Proven in competition by winners in FIA GT, ALMS, WTCC, Targa, BTCC, F3, Nürburgring 24 hour and Bathurst 12 hour • Competition gearboxes, Gear sets, Driveshafts, & Wheels Hubs also available
Contact details: P: (02) 4868 2347 W: www.drexler-motorsport.com.au
MOUNTAIN ACCOMMODATION AMONGST THE ACTION FOR RACING teams, or die-hard motorsports enthusiasts camping trackside at Bathurst, the daily routine is usually ‘eat, sleep, race, repeat.’
But, alongside the iconic circuit’s third turn, in the heart of the Mount Panorama woodlands, there’s a private and luxurious place where racegoers can enjoy more than snacking, snoozing, and spectating. A six-bedroom retreat on nine acres, ‘The Cutting’ accommodates up to 20 short-term guests to rest, cook, have a hit of tennis or croquet, a dip in the pool, or a shot at basketball – between action on the track, of course. The house and landscaped garden are available to rent year-round, and with a driveway adjoining Mountain Straight, and a certified viewing scaffold right on the famous ‘The Cutting’ bend, it’s easy to sit back, relax, and feed your need for speed at Australia’s motorsport mecca. “The Cutting gets its name from the obvious; the track is cut into the rock of the mountain,” said the property’s owner, Suzi Edwards. “It provides drivers with a 1/6 gradient and is one of the tightest corners on the track. Overtaking is virtually impossible here, though that doesn’t stop drivers from trying, which often results in spectacular action. “It is very hard to recover from spins due to the gradient and closeness of the walls.” The home has two levels, with a cook’s kitchen, two Not a bad view!
CAMS CAMS SPEC SPEC MILD MILD STEEL STEEL CHROMOLY CHROMOLY TUBE TUBE -- SHEET SHEET -- SOLID SOLID
TUBE BENDERS - DIES - NOTCHERS
PH: 02 9676 8001 SHIPPING DAILY AUSTRALIA WIDE W W W. R A C E T E C H S T E E L . C O M . A U
living areas and a dining space, balcony, wet bar room, ducted air conditioning, alfresco entertainment area with a barbecue, magnesium swimming pool, and sports court. With a king bed, bathroom, and walk-in wardrobe in the master suite upstairs, there’s two other bedrooms with ensuites on level one. On the ground floor are three more bedrooms including a king suite with a built-in robe. While on site, guests have north-east-facing views over Bathurst and beyond, and if vehicles need to leave at any time during a race meeting, Barry Gurdon Drive is always accessible. “The Cutting is a favourite of race teams who might be competing at events held on the famous Mount Panorama race circuit,” Ms Edwards said. “The certified viewing scaffolding platform can legally hold 20 people at one time across two levels.” Visit thecuttingmtpan. com for more information, or contact info@ thecuttingmtpan.com or 0400 396 355 to express interest in booking the property. Or scan the QR Code
MEGA MARCH
3,289 (W07705)
$
SAVE $396
DELUXE CENTRE LATHE - AL-336D
MARCH 7 - 17
TH
• Ø300 x 900mm capacity • 2-Axis digital readout • Hardened & ground bed • 38mm spindle bore • 2hp 240V motor • Includes: 3 & 4-jaw chucks, faceplate, dead centres, work light, steadies, foot brake, splash tray & stand
EXTENDED TRADING OPEN TILL 3:00PM
AND FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE SAT. 16TH
NEW RANGE OF TAPS! TOOLMASTER has released its new range of high-quality precision ground, TiCN Coated Spiral Gun and Flute taps, ranging from fine tocourse metric threads in various sizes.
RHINO CART MOBILE FIXTURING STATION TDQ612075-K1 • 1200 x 750 x 910mm (L x W x H) • Ø16mm holes in 50 x 50mm spacing pattern • Reversible tabletop with Nitrided black oxide finish • 700kg load capacity • Portable on wheels with levelling pads
SALE 10 DAYS ONLY TH
OVER 4,000 PRODUCTS ON SALE
INCLUDESGE AN QUICK CHOST TOOLP
6,435 (L682D)
$
SAVE $440
Hydraulic Vehicle Positioning Jacks - VJ-680
Engine Stand 450kg Capacity - ESR-450
Hydraulic Engine Crane - HC-1T
• 680kg hydraulic lift per jack • 270mm max. tyre width • 620mm max opening • Sold in pairs
• 360° Geared Rotating Head • Six swivel caster wheels • Fold-up legs for storing
• 1T lifting cap. • Double action pump • Fold up legs • 2300mm lift height • 6 cast steel swivel wheels
IVEL 360° SW
WHEELS
LEGS FOLD UP
299 (A332)
Priced from $ 15.40 (T8406)
429 (A337)
385 (A350)
$
$
$
SAVE $53
SAVE $33
SAVE $44
Air Die Grinder ATG-178
Air Nut Riveter Kit ATR-10RN
Air Pop Rivet Kit ATR-48
HEX KEY SETS
• 22,000rpm Free speed • Easy to adjust power speed with built in regulator • Rear exhaust with built-in silencer • 1/4” Collet Size • 99L/min air consumption
• M3 - M10 capacity • 6 x nut rivet mandrels (M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10) • 2-10mm stroke length • 1.5 L/stroke air consumption
• 2.4mm - 4.8mm capacity • 16mm stroke length • 1.48L/stroke air consumption • 4 x rivet mandrels 2.4, 3.2, 4.0 & 4.8mm • 40 x blind rivets included
• Chrome vanadium steel • Adjustable 3 detent positions on T-bar handle • Free-spinning rotating handle
55 (A040)
$
349 (A0450)
$
SAVE $47
SAVE $33
SAVE $11
WIN $1000! SIMPLY BECOME A MACHINERYHOUSE MATE BEFORE
ENTER HERE
MARCH ift 31
G
ST
card
ALREADY A MATE? CONFIRM YOUR DETAILS TO WIN.
165 (A046)
Air Impact Wrench - ATW-190 • 1/2” Square Drive • 9,500 rpm free speed • 1000 ft-lb max torque • 3 Speed forward & 1 reverse • 207 L/min air consumption
$
Imperial
Metric
165 (A026)
5/64, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/18" Order Code: H821
2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10mm Order Code: H820
SAVE $33
HSS Sheet Metal Step Drill Set - D1071
Metric Precision HSS Drill Set - D1272
• 3 piece set • For drilling thin material • HSS M2 grade • 4-12mm x 1mm steps • 6-20mm x 2mm steps • 6-30mm x 2mm steps
• 25 piece set • Precision ground flutes • HSS M2 bright finish • Range: 1~13mm • 0.5mm increments
$
79 (D1071)
$
SAVE $14.50
SAVE $19.50
Torx®
T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T50 Order Code: H822
85 (D1272)
79 EACH
$
SAVE $20
View and purchase these items online: www.machineryhouse.com.au/AAC2403 Specifications and prices are subject to change without notification. Offer is valid till the 17th of March.
SYDNEY
(02) 9890 9111
1/2 Windsor Rd, Northmead
BRISBANE
MELBOURNE
625 Boundary Rd, Coopers Plains
4 Abbotts Rd, Dandenong
(07) 3715 2200
(03) 9212 4422
PERTH
(08) 9373 9999
11 Valentine St, Kewdale
03_ACC_220224
$